Is Your Teen's Mental Health Crisis Actually a Call for Help? Here's What Chicagoland Families Need to Know

As a parent in the Chicago area, you've probably noticed something shifting in your teen's behavior lately. Maybe they're spending more time alone, their grades are slipping, or they seem more irritable than usual. The big question weighing on your mind: Is this a mental health crisis, or is my teen trying to tell me something?

You're not alone in wondering this. Recent data shows that roughly half of Illinois youth have experienced worsening mental health over the past few years, and here in Chicago, an overwhelming 94% of young people say mental health is a real problem for their generation. But here's what we've learned working with families across Chicagoland: understanding the difference between a crisis and a call for help can completely change how you respond: and ultimately, how well your teen recovers.

What We're Seeing in Chicagoland Right Now

The numbers tell a story that many of us are living. Between June 2022 and March 2024, consistently 49-54% of Illinois youth reported their mental health getting worse, not better. This isn't just a pandemic hangover: this is our new reality, and it's affecting families in every neighborhood from Lincoln Park to Naperville to the South Side.

In Chicago specifically, our young people aren't just struggling: they're speaking up about it. When surveyed, 94% of youth said mental health is a problem their generation faces, and they're becoming increasingly vocal about needing better community support. They're telling us loud and clear: the current system isn't meeting their needs.

The scope goes beyond general teenage angst. Research tracking kids from 2016 to 2022 found anxiety among young people jumped from 7.1% to 10.6%, while depression rates climbed similarly. These aren't small bumps: they represent hundreds of thousands of young Chicagoans who need support.

Crisis vs. Call for Help: Learning the Difference

When It's a Mental Health Crisis

A true mental health crisis means your teen is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others. This requires emergency action: no waiting, no second-guessing. Here's what crisis looks like:

• Direct statements about wanting to die or not wanting to be here anymore

• Threats to hurt themselves or others

• Self-injury like cutting or burning

• Severe aggression, violence, or destroying property

• Seeing or hearing things that aren't there

• Complete withdrawal from everyone and everything

If you're seeing these signs, this is an emergency. Call 911, head to the nearest ER, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Don't leave them alone.

When It's a Call for Help

Many concerning behaviors are actually your teen's way of communicating that they're struggling and need support: but not emergency intervention. These calls for help might look like:

• Gradual withdrawal from friends and family

• Declining grades or missing school frequently

• Changes in sleep (too much or too little)

• Increased irritability or mood swings

• Expressing hopelessness about the future

• Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy

These signs are serious and need attention, but they allow you time to create a thoughtful plan for support.

What's Driving This in Our Community

Here's something that might surprise you: the mental health challenges we're seeing aren't happening in a vacuum. Nearly two-thirds of Chicago youth witness some form of violence, with 25% seeing it weekly. One in four kids under 18 in our city live in poverty: and that number jumps to 43.5% for our youngest residents.

Add to that chronic school absenteeism affecting 41% of Chicago Public School students, and you start to see how environmental stress compounds individual mental health struggles. Your teen isn't just dealing with typical adolescent challenges: they're navigating a pretty intense world.

How to Respond When Your Teen Needs Help

Start with Conversation

The most powerful tool you have is honest, open conversation. Choose a quiet moment and simply ask: "How are you feeling lately? I've noticed some changes and I want to understand what's going on." Then listen: really listen: without immediately jumping to solutions.

Your Pediatrician Is Your First Stop

For non-emergency situations, your teen's pediatrician should be your first call. They can help you understand what's normal adolescent development versus concerning symptoms, discuss treatment options including potential medications, and connect you with mental health specialists for comprehensive evaluation.

Build Your Crisis Plan Now

Don't wait for an emergency to figure out your response. Create a family crisis plan that includes:

• Emergency contact numbers (911, 988 Crisis Line, your pediatrician)

• Your preferred hospital for mental health emergencies

• Clear steps for different types of concerning behaviors

• A list of supportive adults your teen trusts

Make sure everyone in your family knows this plan and where to find it.

Building Long-Term Support

Community-Based Programs Work

Here in Chicago, we've seen that teens who participate in community-based mental health programs show greater optimism and are more likely to aspire to four-year college degrees. The challenge? Access. These programs exist, but we need more of them, and we need them in every neighborhood.

Early Prevention Matters

The foundation for lifelong mental health starts early: even in infancy: through safe, nurturing relationships. But it's never too late to strengthen these connections. Focus on building trust, maintaining open communication, and creating a home environment where your teen feels safe expressing difficult emotions.

School Partnership

Given that four in ten Chicago students struggle with chronic absenteeism, partnering with your teen's school becomes crucial. Many schools now have social workers or counselors who can provide additional support and help coordinate care between home and school.

Resources That Are Here for You

Immediate Help

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text)

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

• Chicago Department of Public Health Crisis Line: 312-746-8418

Ongoing Support For families looking for ongoing mental health support, community programs, or educational resources, we're here to help connect you with what you need. Visit us at mhagcusa.org to learn about programs in your area.

What's Next for Our Community

The mental health challenges facing our teens aren't going away on their own, but here's what gives us hope: families like yours are stepping up, asking the right questions, and seeking support. Young people are advocating for better mental health services, and organizations across Chicagoland are working together to expand access to care.

Your teen's mental health struggles: whether they're a crisis requiring immediate intervention or a call for help needing ongoing support: don't have to be faced alone. With roughly half of Illinois youth experiencing ongoing mental health challenges, you're part of a community of families navigating similar struggles.

The key is knowing when to act quickly and when to build thoughtful, long-term support. Trust your instincts, use your resources, and remember: asking for help isn't a sign of failure: it's a sign of good parenting.

If you're wondering whether your teen is in crisis or calling for help, don't wait to find out. Start with that conversation, connect with your pediatrician, and know that support is available. Together, we're building a community where every young person has the mental health support they need to thrive.

Need someone to talk through what you're seeing at home? We're here to listen and help you figure out next steps. Contact us and let's chat about how we can support your family.